AREA COLLEGE NOTEBOOK

Derek Brown was still kicking Monday at Cal State Northridge. But so was Ethan Beck.

Brown, whose missed extra point in overtime resulted in a 31-30 loss to Idaho State, hasn’t lost his job, but he is being challenged by Beck, the Matadors’ punter.

Coach Jeff Kearin said both will get plenty of kicks in preparation for Thursday night’s game at Weber State. A starter has yet to be selected.

“They both kicked very well today,” Kearin said. “It’s just competitive. They took [an] equal amount of kicks, all inside the 42. Ethan hit on all of his. Derek hit on all of his.”

Northridge dropped to 1-3, 0-2 in Big Sky Conference play, after losing its second consecutive home game.

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Because of the short week, Northridge held a full-scale practice Monday, a day usually reserved for light work.

“After losing Saturday, everybody was depressed,” defensive end Romeo Brooks said. “Everybody was kind of dragging. But the joy of football is getting back out on the field. As far as the standings, we still have a chance to do something.”

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Receiver Drew Amerson, sidelined for two games because of a knee injury sustained against Southwest Texas State, is expected to play against Weber State.

Amerson, who has 10 receptions, suited up against Idaho State but did not play.

“I was ready for an emergency,” Amerson said. “I’m almost 100%. It’s just sore a little bit when I stop running. I’m going to play, unless I re-injure it.”